Framework Agreement for Standards and Frameworks

Tender description

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) requires to establish a multi lot, multi supplier framework for themselves and on behalf of the Devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to provide development of Standards and Frameworks. The scope of tendered services covers provision of development and review of: Lot 1: National Occupational Standards(NOS) including cleansing of NOS Lot 2: Welsh Translation for NOS Lot 3: Scottish Vocational Qualifications(SVQs) or alternative competency-based qualifications (CBQs) Lot 4: Apprenticeship Frameworks in Wales and Northern Ireland. The scope of services to be provided under this Framework Agreement fall within the definition of social and other specific services in Schedule 3 to Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the regulations") and therefore procurement process shall in accordance with Regulation 74 of the Regulation be subject to the requirement of section 7 of the Regulations. By virtue of regulation 76(3) of the regulations, bidders in any of the situations listed in regulation 58 of the Regulation may be excluded. Lot 1: National Occupational Standards(NOS) including cleansing of NOS SDS invited bids for a place on the Framework. The Framework will be for 2 years from 17 April 2023 to 16 April 2025 with the option of 2 x 1 year extensions. Lot 1 is for the Development of National Occupational Standards (NOS) Additional information: Full details for Lot 1 were provided in the ITT documents. Lot 2: Welsh Translation for NOS Lot 2 was for Welsh Translations for National Occupational Standards (NOS) when this is required. The framework is for the period 17 April 2023 to 16 April 2025, with 2 x 1 year extensions available at SDS discretion. Additional information: Full details for Lot 2 were provided in the ITT documents. Lot 3: Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) or alternative competency-based qualifications (CBQs) SVQs and CBQs are work-based qualifications based on National Occupational Standards of competence drawn up by representatives from each industry sector. They are made up of units which break a job down into separate functions reflecting the different kind of activities of a job. The framework is for the period 17 April 2023 to 16 April 2025, with 2 x 1 year extensions available at SDS discretion. Additional information: Full details on Lot 3 were provided in the ITT documents. Lot 4: Apprenticeship Frameworks in Wales and Northern Ireland An apprenticeship is a package of learning, training and practical work experience gained while employed. The content of the apprenticeship is described as a framework. Apprenticeships enable employers to develop the workforce of the future and support succession planning whilst delivering tangible benefits such as reduced staff turnover. Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to raise standards and support the professionalisation of a sector. All new and reviewed apprenticeships must comply with relevant national policy. Wherever possible, frameworks should be mapped across all four UK nations to identify where synergies and core components exist, to support coherence across the UK and avoid unnecessary duplication of activity. The framework is for the period 17 April 2023 to 16 April 2025, with 2 x 1 year extensions available at SDS discretion. Additional information: Full details of Lot 4 were provided in the ITT documents.